Coyotes' Madden Makes Most Of Opportunity

Watching Calabasas High receiver Calab Madden fly around the football field with a reckless abandon, one might not guess that he's only a sophomore. The youngster plays with the poise of an experienced upperclassman.  

"Some kids can't handle the varsity level, but we don't have to worry about that with someone like Calab, he's figured it out,'' Coyotes coach Larry Edwards said.  

Madden does appear to have figured it out and he's proved as much this summer during a number of 7-on-7 passing tournaments.  

The 5-foot-9, 165-pound receiver was at his disruptive best again on Saturday at the Rio Mesa passing tournament, constantly getting behind opposing defenses from schools in the Channel and Pacific View Leagues.  

"Calab is a playmaker, it's nice having him around,'' quarterback Kyle Zion said. "He's physical, has great hands and is super quick. He's been making plays that older guys can't make.''  

Zion has plenty of options. For example, senior Alex Varonos returns a year stronger and wiser after finishing last season with 241 receiving yards on 20 receptions with a touchdown. Big things are also expected from fellow senior Shane Bick. As a junior, his 35 receptions for 356 yards and five touchdowns ranked among the team leaders.  

But Bick has been troubled by a lingering knee injury since the beginning of June and that has opened the door for Madden, who's taken advantage of his chance.  

"It's hard to believe that Calab was only a freshman last year because he doesn't play like he's that young,'' Bick said. "He's surprised some people, but when you think about how good he is, it's not that surprising. He's a great athlete. He's made the jump.''  

Madden proved he was up to the task of being a steady contributor when he held his own at the Beverly Hills passing tournament in early June. Weeks later, Madden duplicated the feat at the Conejo Valley Classic against the top teams from Ventura County.  

All signs point to him being capable of continuing his standout play as Calabasas moves forward. As is stands, Madden has done enough to earn a starting spot.  

"Calab has made the transition rather well up to this point,'' Edwards said. "He seems to be comfortable with what we're doing on the offensive side of the ball, so we figured it was about time to give him the opportunity to make a difference for us.  

"He is threat wherever he lines up on the field and that's unique because he's only a sophomore. He's matured a lot faster than any of us thought he would. We think he's going to make some significant contributions in the next two or three years.''